Top Travel Ball Players to Watch This Season

I had an opportunity one day to sit down with an athletic director to ask him some questions about running a basketball program. He had a lot of experience, and I just wanted to pick his brain in regards to the different levels he had already worked at. He then proceeded to ask him which type of basketball did I think was harder? Travel ball or high school. Immediately, I said that travel ball, based on those who are really serious about the game, will go out and seek better opportunities to further their game against stiffer competition. No matter if it is independent or a shoe circuit team, playing travel ball elevates your game to a certain degree. That's just my opinion, at least.   That said, here are some young ladies you need to keep tabs on this travel ball season because, based on their body of work, I feel that they are about to have a breakthrough year.      She has shot up over the past two years and is starting to become a household name around collegiate circles. This kid is phenomenal with the ball in her hands, and her decision-making is second to none. Her ability to score the basketball from all three levels has elevated her game to another level. She can defend and thread the needle with her passes, and defend. Plus, she is playing on one of the top circuits, which will equip her even more. Look for her to ascend higher and gain more collegiate coaches' eyes this travel ball season.     This kid is exciting, and I am waiting to see what she does next. It's hard to describe her game, but let's just say she is a Draymond Green in his prime. She can handle the rock, drive from the perimeter, play with her back to the basket, exploit the mid-range, and could just really bully/out-muscle the opposition on the offensive end. Defensively, she blocks shots, rebounds, and just plays with a high motor. This kid plays with relentless energy. Keeps tabs on her because not only will she be a problem in the high school ranks, but become a big deal amongst college coaches as well.     Yes, we have our own version of Paige Bueckers, and this girl is that. Her game is very similar to hers in not only how she scores the basketball, but her temperament as well. She is a gamer, a gym rat, someone who is going to leave no stone unturned in her quest for greatness. She is a solid two-way player who elevates above the competition. Look for her to continue to be that girl as she hones her skills even more. A solid prospect with a bright future.     Big in nature, this kid is a monster who anchors the painted area. Schools are taking a major interest in this young lady based on her style of play. She is a grinder who cleans the boards, but also knows how to put the ball in the cylinder. She is a tireless worker who takes pride in her craft and elevates the play of those around her. Her confidence is high right now, especially after receiving some P4 offers this past viewing period. Look for her to continue to inflict pain on the opposition as she battles down low. This kid initiates the contact and isn't afraid to go through the opposition. An old- school back to the basket post who gets the job done.     Heady PG who is controlling the pace of the game. This young lady is one of the best in the state, especially when it comes to running an offense. She is shifty, bringing that team-first mentality, someone who knows how and when to feed the hot hand prior to getting hers. Her specialty is facilitating, yet she can get herself from multiple spots on the floor. Add in her ability to defend and neutralize her opponent, you get one solid prospect in this young lady. Her game speaks volumes, and her style of play elevates those around her.

I had an opportunity one day to sit down with an athletic director to ask him some questions about running a basketball program. He had a lot of experience, and I just wanted to pick his brain in regards to the different levels he had already worked at. He then proceeded to ask him which type of basketball did I think was harder? Travel ball or high school. Immediately, I said that travel ball, based on those who are really serious about the game, will go out and seek better opportunities to further their game against stiffer competition. No matter if it is independent or a shoe circuit team, playing travel ball elevates your game to a certain degree. That's just my opinion, at least.